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Letters to the Editor

Readers’ Views

'Tis the Season of signs in Minnesota To the Editor: Come on and show your creativity: Erect a super large sign and say anything you want. Use flashing lights to make sure everyone will see it. For instance, say your neighbor is trying to sell his house and you want to discourage potential buyers and lower the home’s value. It’s easy. Just put up several 4’x8’ signs. One might say you love AR-15 assault rifles. Another might say that your home is guarded by 4 mean pit bulls. Another might say “I love loud heavy metal music.” A swastika could be attractive (not ...

Readers’ Views

Thank you from Heaven’s Table Food Shelf To the Editor: FoodShare Month in Fairmont and Sherburn for Heaven’s Table Food Shelf was a tremendous blessing. Thank you to all who contributed in any way to this annual statewide effort to boost giving to food shelves. During the March campaign, we received $15,383.74 and 14,531.70 pounds of food from our generous neighbors throughout Martin County and beyond. Although we didn’t win the challenge from Watonwan County Food Shelf, this will help our efforts as we head into the summer months when children are home from school and families ...

Readers’ Views

Grateful to Fairmont Knights for hosting auctions To the Editor: People First, a self-advocacy group for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, would like to thank the Fairmont Knights of Columbus for their hard work and dedication for continually hosting their annual silent/live auction. No matter the amount from this fundraiser for CREST and The Arc Minnesota-People First; the money will be an asset to both organizations. Thank you for continuing to support us in our endeavors to make the lives of people with disabilities a better place in our communities. Pat ...

Readers’ Views

School Funding in Minnesota: An operating levy vs. a referendum To the Editor: In order to understand why the MCW School District has a referendum on the ballot for May 14th, it is important to have a basic understanding of how schools are funded in Minnesota. Some have proposed that MCW asks for an operating levy instead of a referendum, and this editorial will provide more insight as to why that is NOT a financially sound plan. According to the Center for Rural Policy and Development, “although Minnesota’s K-12 schools get their funding from a mix of local, state and federal ...

Readers’ Views

School Referendum aimed to address financial challenges To the Editor: If you have been following the news for the last few years, it is no surprise the MCW School District has been dealing with financial and facility challenges. These challenges are similar to those many school districts, especially rural school districts, across the state and country are experiencing. The greatest challenge is funding. We don’t receive enough money per students to meet our needs and the state requirements. We have a declining enrollment, as many others across the state are also experiencing. This ...

Readers’ Views

Fiscal sustainability To the Editor: What is the driving force behind the MCW referendum? Above and beyond all is fiscal sustainability. That might seem like an interesting reason, as building a new school is not cheap. However, all other options paint a bleak picture for the future of OUR school district. A thorough financial analysis has been completed by the school board and district leadership. Building a one campus facility is the most fiscally sound option for both the district and the taxpayer and will ensure we can operate the school district for decades to come. Why is ...